Filter backwash control system for a water or wastewater treatment system to conserve water during the filter backwash process

ABSTRACT

A water treatment filter backwash process control system, comprising a control system that receives filter level data and filter backwash turbidity data. The control system having a filter level set point, wherein the filter level set point corresponds to a desired filter media bed expansion. The control system having a filter backwash turbidity set point, wherein the control system controls the filter backwash process by, while monitoring the filter backwash turbidity, sending one or more output signals that are used to control a backwash inlet liquid flow in order to maintain a desired media bed expansion, and stop the backwash inlet liquid flow when the filter backwash turbidity set point is reached.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a filter backwash controlsystem and method in a water treatment plant. More particularly, but notby way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention use filtermedia bed expansion and filter tank backwash turbidity to conserve waterby reducing the amount of water utilized during the filter backwashprocess.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surface water, such as lake, stream, canal or river water, orsubterranean water, are generally treated in water treatment plants toprepare the water for use as drinking or potable water for humanconsumption or use, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration anddisinfection processes. This raw or pre-treated water often containsbacteria, pathogens, organic and inorganic substances that can cause abad taste or odor, or is otherwise not safe for human consumption. Forexample, the water may contain organic substances from decayingvegetation, or chemicals from various agricultural or industrialapplications, such as pesticides and herbicides. These water treatmentplants utilize filtration systems to remove suspended solids from thewater prior to it being delivered to the end consumer.

Many wastewater treatment plants include a final stage of wastewatertreatment usually referred to as a tertiary surface water gravity filtersystem to prepare the wastewater before returning to the generalenvironment including rivers, lakes, streams or the ocean or for humannon-potable reuse purposes such as watering golf courses, lawns andpublic areas. This final treatment of the wastewater removes suspendedsolids from the water prior to it reaching the Wetwell, a finishedwastewater storage area in the wastewater water plant, before ultimatelybeing delivered to the environment.

These filtration or filter systems can be single, dual or multi-mediafilters that are designed and built in all types of physicalconfigurations which allow water to flow thru the filter by gravity. Thefilter systems are designed so that the media in the filters catchsufficient suspended solids in the water as it flows thru the media toreduce the filter effluent (i.e. the water coming out of the filter)turbidity to a predetermined acceptable level (e.g., for humanconsumption or to be returned to the environment). Over time, thecaptured suspended solids in the filter's media starts to clog thefilter reducing the performance and flow of water out of the filter.Once the filter's performance is reduced to a predetermined low level,the filter must be backwashed to clean them and return them to servicefor maximum performance. This phenomenon is measured in various waysincluding increasing filter effluent turbidity, increasing filterheadloss, increasing filter level, and a predetermined time duration. Ifany of these events occur, the filter must be backwashed to return it tomaximum performance.

The filters need to be backwashed periodically, sometimes as much as two(2) to three (3) times per week depending on water effluent qualityconditions. During the backwash procedure, the treated water used toclean the filter is routed to a wastewater treatment system in the plantsuch as a clarifier, lagoon, pond and or pumped back to the head of theplant. Typically, this filter backwash wastewater is sent to thetreatment plant's wastewater treatment system for processing, treatmentand removal. The excess backwash water wasted can be substantial andworth a significant amount of money and reduced production to thetreatment plant. Thus, optimizing a filter backwash system's performancecan reduce the amount of filter backwash wastewater used during thebackwash process thereby increasing plant water production anddecreasing plant wastewater treatment while saving money.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subjectmatter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thesubject matter disclosed herein. This summary is not an exhaustiveoverview of the technology disclosed herein. It is not intended toidentify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate thescope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts ina simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that isdiscussed later.

In one embodiment, an apparatus, system and method for a water treatmentfilter backwash process, utilizing filter media level data to monitorthe filter's media bed expansion during the backwash and filter tankbackwash turbidity data to monitor the filter tank's backwash wasteturbidity during the backwash to control and optimize the filterbackwash process.

The water treatment filter backwash process includes controlling thehigh-wash backwash supply flow rate to maintain a desired filter mediabed expansion and terminating the high-wash backwash supply flow when apredetermined filter tank backwash turbidity is reached. For example, inone aspect, control of the backwash water supply flow can includesending a variable output signal to a backwash supply flow controlvalve, wherein adjusting the output signal causes the valve to move fromthe open or closed positions in percentage increments (e.g., 20%, 45%,75% open/close) to achieve or maintain a desired media bed expansion.Similarly, control of the backwash supply flow can include sending avariable output signal to a variable frequency drive (VFD) that isoperatively connected to a motor to control the output of a pump thatsupplies the backwash supply water flow to achieve or maintain a desiredmedia bed expansion. In another aspect, stopping the high-wash backwashsupply flow when a desired filter tank backwash turbidity is reached canbe achieved by for example, sending an output signal to the backwashsupply flow control valve that causes the valve to close completely(i.e. 100% closed) or sending an output signal to the VFD or motor,which causes the backwash supply flow pump to stop, terminating thebackwash step. In a further aspect, stopping the high-wash backwashsupply flow when a desired filter tank backwash turbidity is reached canbe achieved by for example, sending an output signal to a backwashsupply flow control valve, wherein the valve is configured to be a fullyopen/fully closed valve, as opposed to a variable position control valveterminating the backwash step. In another embodiment, during the firstlow-wash backwash procedure the control system maintains a predeterminedfilter bed media expansion and terminates the low-wash backwashprocedure when the filter tank turbidity reaches a predeterminedsetpoint.

In a further aspect, the apparatus, system and method for a watertreatment filter backwash process is used in combination with a filtercontrol system that utilizes a control system, such as a DCS, PLC,SCADA, or wireless control system (e.g., wireless instrumentation andcontrol devices that communicate in over a wireless network, includingthose that implement industry standards, such as the WirelessHART orHART 7 standard), or a combination of these types of control systemsthat are operatively in communication with the various instrumentation,actuators and valves of the filter control system and are used tomonitor and control the operation of water filter system, including abackwash system and method in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

In a further aspect, the apparatus, system and method for a watertreatment filter backwash process is used in combination with a filtercontrol system that utilizes a communication bus for controlling andmonitoring water flow within the water treatment filter system, whereinthe communication bus comprises a two-wire AS-I network in a loop and orstar configuration coupling various instrumentation, actuators andvalves to the filter control system.

In a further aspect, the apparatus, system and method for a watertreatment filter backwash process is used in combination with a filtercontrol system, wherein the actuators that facilitate the movement ofthe valves from an open to a close position may be a vane-type pneumaticactuator, cylinder-type pneumatic actuator, hydraulic-type actuator, orelectric-type actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is nowmade to the following brief description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like referencenumerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 depicts a water treatment filter system while filtering water.

FIG. 2 depicts a water treatment filter system during a filter backwashprocedure.

FIG. 3 depicts a water treatment filter control system diagram withrelated interfaces, instrumentation valves and actuators, wherein theinstrumentation, valves and actuators are connected over a two-wirecommunication bus.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of controlling the filterbackwash process in a water treatment plant as exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of controlling the filterbackwash process in a water treatment plant as exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a neural network (NN) architecture 600 implemented in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts recorded graphical data of a water treatment filtersystem during a filter backwash procedure for a plant in Georgia beforeimplementing embodiments of invention described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts recorded graphical data of a water treatment filtersystem during a filter backwash procedure for the Georgia plantidentified in FIG. 7 above after implementation of certain embodimentsof invention described herein.

While certain embodiments will be described in connection with thepreferred illustrative embodiments shown herein, it will be understoodthat it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. Onthe contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications,and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by claims. In the drawing figures, which are not toscale, the same reference numerals are used throughout the descriptionand in the drawing figures for components and elements having the samestructure, purpose or function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the detailed description of the preferred arrangement orarrangements of various embodiments of the present invention, it shouldbe understood that, although an illustrative implementation of one ormore embodiments are provided below, the inventive features and conceptsmay be manifested in other arrangements and that the scope of theinvention is not limited to the embodiments described or illustrated.The various specific embodiments may be implemented using any number oftechniques known by persons of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosureshould in no way be limited to the illustrative embodiments, drawings,and/or techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary designs andimplementations illustrated and described herein. The scope of theinvention is intended only to be limited by the scope of the claims thatfollow. Furthermore, the disclosure may be modified within the scope ofthe appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts thatcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the disclosure and do not limit the scope of thedisclosure.

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying figures and drawings, which form a parthereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exampleembodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety ofdifferent forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter isintended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodimentsset forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to beillustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or coveredsubject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subjectmatter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be takenin a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meaningssuggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning.Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in anotherembodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a differentembodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matterinclude combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage incontext. For example, terms, such as “and”, “or”, or “and/or,” as usedherein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least inpart upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” ifused to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B,and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here usedin the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as usedherein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describeany feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may beused to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristicsin a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again,may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a pluralusage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term“based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey anexclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence ofadditional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, dependingat least in part on context.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a water treatment filter system100 during the process of filtering water that includes a filterbackwash system and method in a filter backwash process control systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Theinstrumentation, components, operation, and configuration of a filterand filter backwash system in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention is described in detail below. While FIG. 1 depicts the filtersystem 100 and its associated instrumentation, and valves, FIG. 3 showsthe various instrumentation, actuators and valves of the filter system100 operatively in communication with a control system 300, such as aDCS, PLC, SCADA, or wireless control system (e.g., wirelessinstrumentation and control devices that communicate in over a wirelessnetwork, including those that implement industry standards, such as theWirelessHART or HART 7 standard), or a combination of these types ofcontrol systems that are used to monitor and control the operation ofwater filter system, including a backwash system and method inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Further,communication and connection of the various instrumentation, actuatorsand valves with the control system, can also include a communication busfor controlling and monitoring the various instrumentation, actuatorsand valves within the water filter system, wherein the communication buscomprises an Actuator Sensor-Interface (AS-I) two-wire network in a loopand or star configuration coupling various instrumentation, actuatorsand valves to the filter control system, such as depicted in FIG. 3.Further, the actuators that facilitate the movement of the valves froman open to a close position may be a vane-type pneumatic actuator,cylinder-type pneumatic actuator, hydraulic-type actuator, orelectric-type actuator.

For example, in reference to FIG. 1, the flow of water through the waterfilter system is monitored by instrumentation and controlled by valvesand piping and is typically operated by allowing water to flow throughthe filter by gravity (non-pressurized) thru multimedia (e.g.anthracite, sand and gravel), then thru the filter bottom into acollection gullet and finally out of the filter through an effluent flowcontrol valve into a water plant well, such as a clearwell or awastewater plant wetwell. The process of treating water for use or reuseincludes first flowing through an influent valve 101 prior to entry intoa filter 102. The filter 102 can include various media to eliminatecertain undesirable elements from the pre-treated water. For instance,the filter 102 can be a multi-media 103 filter that can include, gravel104, sand 105 and anthracite 106 which operate to filter the pre-treatedwater as it flows thru the media 103. Using control system 300, INFLUENTvalve 101 allows the flow of treated or settled water from the watersource into the filter 102. The level of water in the filter 102 can beascertained by a level sensor 107. The EFFLUENT flow control valve 113controls the amount of filtered water that leaves filter 102 and ismeasured by the effluent flow meter 122. The effluent flow control valve113 can be a modulating (i.e. percentage open) or a non-modulating (i.e.open/close) valve.

Level sensor 107 can include hydrostatic pressure devices, such asdifferential pressure transmitters or submersible pressure sensors thatutilize piezoresistive sensing elements, ultrasonic/sonar level devices,radar level devices, ultrasonic level devices, capacitance leveldevices, vibronic level devices, and ball-float level devices. Asdescribed above, the filter 102 is a dual media filter that must bebackwashed from time-to-time which requires level sensor 107 to monitorthe level as the filter level is lowered and raised during the backwashand to monitor and assist in controlling the filter level while filter102 is filtering water.

Effluent flow meter 122 can include any suitable flow meter that iscapable of measuring the flow of water, including using venturi flowtubes with differential pressure transmitters, orifice plate withdifferential pressure transmitters, ultrasonic, turbine and magneticflowmeters. As described above, the filter 102 is a dual media filterthat filters water and from time-to-time must be backwashed whichrequires the effluent flow meter 122 to measure and control the filteredwater flow out of filter 102 in conjunction with EFFLUENT flow controlvalve 113 and level sensor 107 to regulate this flow to maintain aconstant water level on top of filter 102. During a backwash, EFFLUENTflow control valve 113 is closed after the filter level is lowered to apredetermined low level, remains closed throughout the remainder of thebackwash and reopens when the filter backwash is complete and the filtereffluent turbidity is at or below a specified low level such as 0.5 NTU.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a multiphase or interfacelevel device that can measure both the media level (e.g., the level ofthe anthracite 106) and the overall fluid level within the filter 102 isused. For example, multiphase measurement can be done with a radiometriclevel device, a guided wave radar and capacitance sensor, such asmulti-electrode capacitance level sensors, combined in a single device.While it may be preferable to utilize a multiphase or interface levelmeasurement device, embodiments of the present invention can alsoutilize separate level measurement devices, wherein one level device 120provides a media level expansion measurement, and a separate leveldevice 107 provides the overall water level in the filter, wherein leveldevice 120 is capable of measuring an interface level that provides thelevel of the media below the overall filter 102 water level.

Turbidity is a parameter used to determine the quality of water exitingthe filter 102 through the EFFLUENT flow control valve 113. Typically,turbidity is measured by a nephelometer which uses light measurementsthru water samples to measure the quantity of suspended solids in unitsreferred to as Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). For example, cleanwater has very low levels of suspended solids or low values of NTU whiledirtier water has higher levels of NTU. The quality of potable ordrinking water is generally determined by federal, state or communityauthorities. For example, acceptable desired operational turbidityvalues in filtered water exiting from the filter effluent are typicallyless than 0.5 NTU. An effluent turbidity analyzer 114 is used todetermine the turbidity of the effluent filtered water. If the filteredwater from the filter 102 is determined to be acceptable, for example,the filter effluent has a turbidity of less than 0.5 NTU, a BACKWASHWASTE valve 109, a FILTER TO WASTE valve 110, a BACKWASH SUPPLY valve111, and a SURFACE SWEEP/AIR SCOUR valve 112, are all closed to allowthe filtered water to exit the system via an opened EFFLUENT flowcontrol valve 113.

As the filter 102 operates, over time, the captured suspended solids inthe filter's media 103 starts to clog the filter 102 reducing theperformance and effluent water flow out of the filter 102. As the filter102 becomes clogged or dirtier, the effluent turbidity can start toincrease, and the filter 102 may begin to experience head loss or a lossof head, meaning that the pressure differential across the filter 102 isincreased. A HEAD LOSS device 115, such as a differential pressuretransmitter can be used to determine the filter's loss of head.

Some water treatment facilities also utilize Filter Effluent ParticleCounter Analyzers. Particle counter analyzers are used to measure thesize and quantity of suspended solids in water and can be used to detectCryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causesthe diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. If the filter effluent particlecount begins to rise, this may indicate the need to backwash the filter.

The reduction in filter 102 performance can be measured in various waysincluding rising filter effluent turbidity, rising filter headloss,rising filter level and time. Should the turbidity of the filtered wateror the pressure differential indicated on the head loss device reachunacceptable levels, or if there is a rise in the filter level, such asin varying level filters, more than likely, the filter 102 is no longercapable of removing the undesirable elements from the pre-treated water.Additionally, filter 102 performance tends to degrade overtime. Filterruntime is one of the most common reasons to backwash the filter 102.State regulatory agencies typically recommend and often mandate amaximum duration in hours that a filter 102 should run before it isbackwashed. Once the filter's performance is reduced or in instanceswhere it reaches a predetermined filter 102 maximum runtime, the filter102 must be backwashed to clean it and return the filter 102 to optimumperformance. The filter 102 is cleaned using a backwash water system 118and mechanical surface sweeps or air scour systems 119. The backwashwater system 118 includes a BACKWASH SUPPLY valve 111, BACKWASH FLOWCONTROL valve 116, backwash flow meter 117, and a backwash pump (notshown) or backwash holding tank (not shown). The air scour systems 119include an air blower (not shown) and AIR WASH valve 112. In systemsthat use mechanical surface sweeps, pressurized water is used to cause amechanical arm to rotate to loosen the debris in the media 103 surface.

Media level sensor 120 can be a level device that is capable ofmeasuring the level in a multiphase solution as described above inreference to filter level sensor 107. For example, media level sensor120 can be an ultrasonic sonar level device which must be immersed inwater in order to measure the level of the media. When using a leveldevice such as an ultrasonic level device, media level sensor 120 isinstalled in filter 102 with the bottom of the sensor at a height justbelow the top of the troughs 108 in order to ensure that media levelsensor 120 is submerged at all times during a backwash. As describedabove, the filter 102 is a media filter, and in an embodiment of thepresent invention, a sonar level or capacitance level device is used infilter 102 that can measure both the media level while filtering water(e.g., the combined level of the anthracite 106, sand 105, and gravel104) and the increase in level of the media 103 (media expansion), whichis the media level below the overall water level in the filter during abackwash procedure. From this level and change in level, media bedexpansion can be calculated in inches, millimeters, or percent. Mediabed expansion is defined as the change in media level from the settledmedia level (e.g., the combined level of the anthracite 106, sand 105,and gravel 104 while filter 102 is filtering water) and the amount thatthe media is fluidized, expanded or raised during a backwash procedure.Media expansion is caused by reversing water flow through the media frombelow it with the backwash water system 118 which is controlled byopening the BACKWASH SUPPLY valve 111. The rate of backwash flow, whichcreates the media expansion, is measured by the backwash flowmeter 117and controlled by the BACKWASH FLOW CONTROL valve 116. Using controlsystem 300, during the backwash procedure and media bed expansionprocess the backwash water raises the level of the water in filter 102to a level that the backwash water flows over and into filter troughs108 (e.g., typically, one or more troughs are installed across a filterabove the media at a certain height and spaced at even intervals toallow backwash procedures to be performed based on the specific designcharacteristic of a filter). Troughs 108 are long cylindrical tubes,open at the top and installed in opposite filter walls with openingsthrough the filter walls at one or both ends of the trough 108 to allowwater to enter or leave the filter. Water that needs to be filteredenters filter 102 through INFLUENT valve 101 on one end of the troughs108 and then flows into the filter 102. While filtering, the BACKWASHWASTE valve 109 is closed. During a backwash procedure, the INFLUENTvalve 101 is closed and the BACKWASH WASTE valve 109 is open. Thisallows the backwash wastewater to leave filter 102 by overflowing thetrough and draining out of the end of the troughs 108, through theBACKWASH WASTE valve 109 to a wastewater treatment system.

Backwash water turbidity sensor 121 is a turbidity analyzer thatmeasures the turbidity of the backwash water during a backwashprocedure. The backwash water turbidity sensor 121 is typicallyinstalled in filter 102 with the bottom of the sensor at a height justbelow the top of the troughs 108 in order to ensure that the turbidityof the backwash water is measured at all times during a backwash. Asdescribed above, the filter is a media filter, and in an embodiment ofthe present invention, a backwash water turbidity device is used infilter 102 that can measure both the in-filter or settled turbidity ofthe water while filtering water (typically, 2 to 5 NTU) and theturbidity of the backwash waste water during a backwash procedure(typically, 5 to 80 NTU). Backwash water is caused by reversing waterflow through the media from below it with backwash system water 118 andthe duration of the backwash procedure is controlled by the length oftime that the BACKWASH SUPPLY valve 111 is open. During the backwashprocedure, the backwash water raises the level of the water in filter102 to a level that the backwash water flows over and into filtertroughs 108 allowing the backwash turbidity device 121 to measure thebackwash waste water as it flows over and into the filter troughs 108.During a backwash procedure, the INFLUENT valve 101 is closed and theBACKWASH WASTE valve 109 is open allowing the backwash wastewater toleave filter 102 by draining out of the end of the troughs 108, throughthe BACKWASH WASTE valve 109 to a wastewater treatment system.

Filter systems are designed and built in all types of physicalconfigurations but with two major hydraulic processes for water to flowthru them by gravity (non-pressurized). A majority of these systems fallinto two categories—constant level filters and varying level filters. Itshould be noted that embodiments of the present invention can be used inall types of water filter systems. Although FIG. 1 depicts a singlefilter 102, water treatment plants typically include multiple filtersranging from as few as two to over one hundred depending on the size ofthe water treatment plant, and embodiments of the invention describedherein can be used in each of a water treatment plant's filters.

Constant Level Filters

Constant level filter systems typically include three or more filters102 and utilize a common influent channel or pipeline to allow the flowof treated or settled water from the water source to each of the filters102. Water from the influent channel or pipeline flows directly intoeach filter 102 thru open INFLUENT valves 101 above the media 103 andequalizes at the same level in all filters 102. Water flows downwardthru each filter 102 by gravity thru the media 103 and then thru filterunderdrain or bottom equipment 123 into a collection gullet where itflows out of the filter 102 thru a modulating EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROLvalve 113 prior to it being delivered to the end consumer or to theenvironment. Notwithstanding any minimal loss of fluid via evaporation,maintenance or testing performed on the filter 102 system duringoperation, in general, the total amount of water that goes into a filter102 system thru the common influent channel or pipeline must come out ofthe filter 102 system through the sum of the individual modulatingfilter EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valves 113 which maintains a constant levelin the filter 102 system. This constant level is accomplished byutilizing a modulating EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 on the effluentof each filter 102 in conjunction with an effluent flow meter 122 andfilter level sensor 107.

Filters 102 which have been backwashed recently have clean orsubstantially clean media 103 which allow water to flow through them ata much quicker rate than filters 102 which have dirty or partially dirtymedia 103. The longer that a filter 102 runs, the more it collectssuspended solids in its media 103 increasingly impeding water flow thruthat filter 102. Typically, in a water treatment plant with multiplefilters 102, each individual filter 102 will have a different flow rateproportional to the cleanliness of the media 103 in the filter 102. Thesum total of the effluent flows 122 out of the filters 102 shall beequal to the flow into the filter 102 system from the flow of treated orsettled water from the water source.

Each filter 102 has its own level sensor 107 and modulating EFFLUENTFLOW CONTROL valve 113 which, the process control system 300 uses tomaintain a relatively constant level in the filter 102 regardless of theeffluent flow rate through that filter 102. After a backwash, when afilter 102 with clean media 103 is placed back in service, the cleanedmedia 103 allows a maximum water flow rate through it whichproportionately and slightly lowers the level of the overall filter 102system. The process control system 300 utilizes each filter's levelsensor 107 measurement to react to this very slight but declining levelchange and adjusts a filter's respective modulating EFFLUENT FLOWCONTROL valve 113 to close slightly in order to restrict water flow outof its filter 102 to compensate for the decreasing level change whichthen increases to maintain a constant level over the filter 102 systemat all times. In one embodiment, the effluent flow meter 122 measurementand filter level device 102 measurement are used in combination tomaintain a relatively constant level in the filter.

Water flow through a filter 102's media 103 is inversely proportional tothe cleanliness of the media 103. After a backwash, when a filter 102has the cleanest media 103, the EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 is opena minimum amount allowing a flow rate through filter 102 proportionateto the total number of filters 102 in the filter 102 system. As waterflows through the media 103, the media 103 begins to collect suspendedsolids slowly becoming dirty and impeding the flow of water throughfilter 102. Over time, the increasingly dirty media 103 causes theEFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 to slowly open to allow more water toflow through filter 102 to maintain the constant level across the filter102 system. Often, immediately before filter 102 is due to be backwashedwith the media 103 at its dirtiest, the EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113is open a maximum amount allowing a flow rate through filter 102proportionate to the total number of filters 102 in the filter system100.

As the various filters become dirty over time, the water level slowlyrises and the level sensors 107 compensate by slowly modulating theeffluent control valves 113 of each filter to open or close more inorder to maintain a constant level over the filters at all times. Thelonger a filter 102 runs before being backwashed the dirtier it becomes,reducing the flow of water thru it, and as a result, the respectiveeffluent control valve 113 must increasingly open in order to maintainconstant level. In a constant level filter system, you can determine howdirty a filter 102 is respective to other filters in the filter systemby the percentage amount that its effluent control valve 113 is opencompared to the other filters. The more open the effluent control valve113 is, is an indication that the filter 102 is dirtier as compared toother filters. This can also be used to determine when a backwash of thefilter 102 is needed.

Varying Level Filters

Varying level filter systems typically include three or more filters 102and utilize a common influent channel or pipeline to provide water toall of the filters 102 over individual weirs into each filter 102. Theweirs are physically adjusted and set to a specific but equal height toensure that a proportionate and equal amount of water flows from thecommon influent channel or pipeline into each filter 102. After theweir, the water flows through an INFLUENT valve 101 into filter 102,allowing each filter to operate at a different level. In lieu of or incombination with weirs, varying level filter systems can also utilizemodulating influent control valves 101 that can be used to regulate theeffluent flow rate, including controlling the respective filters'influent modulating control valves to achieve substantially identicaleffluent flow rates across the filters. Similar to constant levelfilters water flows downward through the media 103 by gravity and thenthrough filter underdrains or bottom equipment 123 into a collectiongullet where it flows out of the filter 102 typically through a fullyopen/fully close non-modulating EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 prior toit being delivered to the end consumer or to the environment. However,modulated effluent control valves, such as those typically used inconstant level filters can also be used. Further, varying level filtersystems can also utilize modulating effluent control valves that can bealso used to regulate the effluent flow rate, including controlling therespective filters' effluent modulating control valves to achievesubstantially identical effluent flow rates across the filters.

In the case of varying level filters while filtering water, theopen-close EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valves 113 are typically fully open atall times allowing each filter 102 to seek its own level based on acertain flow rate, the gravitational effect of water's weight and howdirty the filter's media 103 is. The cleaner the media 103 is at anyflow rate, the lower the level in filter 102 will be. As the media 103collects suspended solids over time, the water level in filter 102 willincrease proportionate to the flow rate, the gravitational effect ofwater's weight and the dirtiness or resistance of the media 103. Whenthe water level in filter 102 has risen to a predetermined maximumheight, the media 103 is considered dirty and it is time for filter 102to perform a backwash. Clean filters that have been backwashed recentlyallow water to flow thru them at a much quicker rate than dirty orpartially dirty filters. The longer that a filter 102 runs, the more itcollects suspended solids in its multimedia causing it to become dirtierand impeding flow thru that filter. In a water treatment plant withmultiple varying level filters, each filter 102 will typically run atthe same flow rate but with different water levels in each filter 102based on individual filter 102 runtimes, water height and degree ofcleanliness.

Varying level filters are typically taller in height than constant levelfilters to allow the filter 102 level to increase over timeproportionate to filter 102 flow rate and media 103 cleanliness.Typically, the influent water cascades into the filter and because theeffluent control valve 113 in varying level filters is typically run ina fully open position, the filter level is a result of how quickly thewater can flow thru the multimedia, which is based on the dirtiness ofthe filter.

After a backwash when a clean filter is placed back in service, theinfluent flow control valve 101 is opened and the water flows thru themedia very quickly and is at its lowest level. As the media gets dirty,the level in the filter begins to increase due to resistance and dirt inthe media. Because the effluent valve 113 is typically fully opened andtherefore provides a constant effluent flow rate, the amount that thewater rises is typically proportional to the dirtiness of the media andthe gravitational effect of water's weight pushing thru the everincreasingly dirty media.

Like constant level filters, each filter 102 can include its own levelsensor 107 that measures the level of the water in the respective filter102. In the case of varying level filter systems, level sensor 107 isused to measure the increasing water level in filter 102 as it filterswater over time, but because the effluent control valve 113 in thesefilters is typically fully opened/fully closed, these level sensors 107are typically used to measure the water level as an indicator of when abackwash may need to be initiated. Additionally, like constant levelfilter systems, when the filter water level reaches a dangerously highlevel (e.g., approaching filter overflow), the system can generate analarm, and automatically close the filter INFLUENT control valve 101.Level sensors 107 can also be used in combination with modulatedinfluent control valves 101 or modulated effluent control valves 113, ora combination of both to achieve substantially identical effluent flowrates across the filters.

In a typical varying level filter system that utilizes non-modulatinginfluent or effluent control valves (101, 113 respectively), as thevarious filters become dirty over time, the water level in respectivefilters slowly rise and you can determine the dirtiness of a filterrespective to other filters by looking at the height of water in eachfilter. The higher a filter's level the dirtier the filter is. Theheight of the filter's water can also be used to determine when abackwash of the filter is needed.

In one embodiment, the process control system 300 in both constant leveland varying level filter systems, uses modulated influent and effluentcontrol valves (101, 113 respectively), including in combination withthe filter water level to control the overall runtime of a filter 102,by reducing the time required to backwash a given filter 102. Forexample, in instances of higher demand for water supply, controllingthese devices can allow longer filter runtime, by for example, reducingthe flow rate in a given filter, in order to maintain an acceptableturbidity reading or turbidity rate increase. Additionally, when afilter is out of service, for example due to maintenance, including theneed for backwashing a filter, controlling the influent and effluentcontrol valves (101, 113 respectively), the influent and effluent flowrates, and including using the filter level sensor 107 of the remainingonline filters can be used to increase effluent flow rates to meet thedemand due to a filter being out-of-service.

Control Systems

While FIG. 1 depicts the filter system 100 and its associatedinstrumentation, and valves, FIG. 3 shows the various instrumentation,actuators and valves of the filter system 100 operatively incommunication with a control system 300, such as a DCS, PLC, SCADA, orwireless control system (e.g., wireless instrumentation and controldevices that communicate in over a wireless network, including thosethat implement industry standards, such as the WirelessHART or HART 7standard), or a combination of these types of control systems that areused to monitor and control the operation of a water filter system,including a backwash system and method in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. Further, communication and connection of thevarious instrumentation, actuators and valves with the control system,can also include a communication bus for controlling and monitoring thevarious instrumentation, actuators and valves within the water filtersystem, wherein the communication bus comprises an ActuatorSensor-Interface (AS-I) two-wire network 312 in a loop and or starconfiguration coupling various instrumentation, actuators and valves tothe filter control system, such as depicted in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the operation and control of the filter system 100,including all of the valves, pumps and sensors (cumulatively, the“devices”) can be controlled or monitored by a control subsystem 300.The devices are generally coupled to the control panel 300 via a bus312. Additionally, the system can be controlled and monitored remotely,and filter system 100 data for one or a multitude of filter systems iscollected, analyzed, and used for benchmarking purposes, as well asoptimization and predicting operation of filters to generate and predictfilter setpoints, measurements, and values. For example, and as shown inFIG. 6 and as discussed further below, there is data collection via acomputer communication network of the filter operating parameters anddetermined setpoint data for a plant filter system, wherein using dataanalytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neuralnetwork methodologies to: predict the subject, a related, or anunrelated filter's performance and/or operational setpoints; generatebenchmarking metrics for filter systems' operation and maintenance;and/or generate setpoints and anticipated measurement and filteroperational values.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a deep neural network (NN) architecture 600including a matrix of connected neuron processors. The matrix of neuralprocessors is configured as a computation unit that operates as atwo-dimensional systolic array. The two-dimensional systolic arrayincludes multiple cells that are configured to identify probabilitiesfor three categories of content. By way of example, the input neurons x₁through x₃ are activated through input data and operate as sensors thatperceive the input, and are for example in an embodiment of theinvention, filter parameter data, such as measurement data that isreceived from filter instrumentation, and can include filter media levelfrom level device 120, filter tank turbidity measurements from backwashturbidity meter 121, and filter backwash flow rate from filter backwashflowmeter 117. The middle layers, sometimes referred to as the hiddenlayers, which include neural processor layers h₁₁ through h₁₄ and h₂₁through h₂₄, are activated through weighted connections and receiveactivation data from previous neural processors. For the sake ofsimplicity, two middle layers are shown although these layers can bemultiples of what is shown and the number of layers depends upon theinput and how “deep” of an accumulative learning process is required toobtain a reliable result. Some of the neural processors in the middlelayers will influence the output by triggering events based upon one ormore other events occurring in the middle layer or directly from inputdata. Depending upon the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the inputdata, the problem to be solved and how the neural processors areconnected, obtaining an output z₁ and z₂, for example optimum filter bedmedia expansion setpoint during the high-wash backwash procedure, andoptimum filter backwash tubidity after completion of the high-washbackwash procedure, that reliable within a degree certain can requirelong causal chains of computational stages wherein each of the stages inthe chain transforms the activation of the subsequent stages in anon-linear fashion. As shown in FIG. 6, the deep neural network 600 isconfigured to analyze each of the vectors to generate probabilities todetermine a final confidence score for the output z₁ and z₂ thatreliable within a degree certain.

Further, in one embodiment, communication and control of the controlsubsystem 300 and the devices adhere to the Actuator Sensor-Interface(AS-I) standard. The AS-I bus 312 is comprised of two (2) wires,preferably fourteen (14) gauge wires, capable of carrying digital dataand power to the various devices. The power to the bus 312 is providedby the control subsystems' power supplies PS1 and PS2. The AS-I standardspecifies that the power supply generally provide a low voltagegenerally twenty-four (24) to thirty (30) volts over the bus 312.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control logic of the control subsystem 300 is aprogrammable logic controller (PLC) 306. However, other control systemsor control system components, such as SCADA, DCS and wireless controlsystems can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.The controller 306 provides the necessary processors to transmit andreceive data over the bus 312. Should the PLC or other control systemcomponent be non-AS-I compliant, a gateway 304 provides the necessaryinterface for the control subsystem 300 to transmit and receive digitaldata and power over the bus 312. A display 302 generally provides statusinformation of the filter system 100. In addition, a man machineinterface 370 provides the necessary interface for a user to initiatevarious control and monitoring functions of the devices, such asinitiating a backwash process. For security, the control subsystem 300may include hardware (such as a key lock) or software (password) toprevent unauthorized personnel from using the system.

The AS-I standard generally specifies a master/slave bus configuration.The control subsystem (master) and the devices (slave) are designed tooperate on an AS-I bus 312, wherein the devices, such as valves andmeasurement instrumentation (sensors) are coupled to the bus for powerand communication via an AS-I interface. For example, a device may be avalve, such as the INFLUENT valve 101. The INFLUENT valve 101 includes avalve, an actuator and an AS-I interface 356. The INFLUENT VALVE 101 iscoupled to the AS-I bus 312 via AS-I interface 356. In addition, theinterface can include a switch and a disconnect switch offering aconvenient method to remove, replace or repair a slave device while theremainder of the bus devices remain on line. Further the state of thevalves can be ascertained by the AS-I interface. The AS-I valveinterfaces may include positioning sensors to ascertain the state (e.g.,the position of a disc of a butterfly type valve) of the valves. Inaddition, the AS-I interfaces can include processing capabilities tocommunicate digital data to and from the sensors and valves and providepower from the bus 312. As shown in FIG. 3, the actuators of valves 101,109, 110, 111, 116, 112, and 113 are coupled to the AS-I bus 312 viaAS-I interfaces 356, 354, 352, 360, 346, 340 and 338, respectively.Similarly, measurement sensors 107, 120, 121, 115, 114, 122, and 117,are coupled to he AS-I bus 312 via AS-I interfaces 358, 362, 364, 350,348, 344, and 342, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 3, each AS-I Interface includes a processor (notshown) for sending and receiving data from the bus 312. The AS-Iinterfaces are configured in a serial fashion on the bus 312 and eachinterface (i.e., each slave) has its own identification number.Furthermore, the AS-I interfaces also provide power from the bus 312 toenergize/de-energize the solenoids of the actuators of the variousvalves. Consequently, should the filter system operate in the normalmode (e.g., pre-treated water flowing through the filter bed and out ofthe system), the control subsystem 300 would provide the necessary powerand command over bus 312 to open the INFLUENT valve 101 via interface356 and the EFFLUENT valve 113 via interface 338, while closing theDRAIN VALVE 109 via interface 354, the BACKWASH valve 116 via interface346, the AIRWASH valve 112 via interface 340 and the FILTER TO WASTEvalve 110 via interface 352. In addition, should it be necessary toenter a backwash process, the control subsystem 300 would provide thenecessary power and command to the appropriate valves to perform suchprocess (as previously described). Thus, operating parameters of thewater treatment system may be monitored by the control subsystem 300 viathe AS-I bus 312.

Although the topology of the various AS-I interfaces and devices can bein a number of configurations, such as a linear configuration or a treeconfiguration, the preferred topology is a loop configuration (as shownin FIG. 3). The loop configuration provides for better fault tolerance.For example, should the bus 312 experience a break 390, power and dataand still be carried over the bus 312 in either direction A or B, awayfrom the break. Furthermore, a test sequence may be initiated by thecontrol subsystem 300 to test the various devices. Upon receipt of atest command, the processor within the AS-I interfaces performs aself-test to determine the status of the device. The results of theself-test are transmitted to the control subsystem 300 via the bus 312.

Next, the control subsystem 300 is capable of interfacing to aSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system or other controlsubsystems via a communication link 363 or a wireless system. In oneembodiment, the communication link 363 is an Institute of Electrical andElectronic Engineer (IEEE) standard 802.3 bus (ETHERNET). Typically, awater treatment plant includes a number of water filter systems.Therefore, from a single location, the SCADA system can monitor andcontrol the various water filter systems from one location via thecommunication link 363.

Also, status from the various devices may be monitored by a user or asoftware routine for further action. For example, the water filtersystem may be damaged should one of the valves in the systemmalfunction. For instance, should valve 101 not close upon a command toclose, the valve's AS-I interface 356 could sense the malfunction andtrigger an alarm. Since each AS-I device has its own identificationdevice number, the AS-I interface 356 would transmit the alarm status tothe control subsystem 300 via the bus 312, whereby the control subsystem300 would identify the malfunctioned valve.

In addition, the devices and control subsystem of the present inventionmay be pre-packaged in a kit form. The devices and control subsystem maybe pre-tested for installation. Consequently, the kit can be used toretrofit existing and new water filter systems.

Filter Backwash System

The need to perform a filter backwash can be determined by a variety ofmeasured, control system 300 generated, or external system generatedfilter parameters, including a predetermined high effluent turbiditythat is measured by effluent turbidity meter 114, high head loss, whichis measured by pressure differential transmitter 115, maximum filterruntime, high water level in the filter 102 (e.g., in varying levelfilters), percentage open of the effluent flow control valve 113,effluent flow rate, influent flow rate, filter effluent particle count,anticipated values for these parameters that is generated through dataanalytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neuralnetwork methodologies, or a combination of these values. These valuesetpoints can be stored in a database, in processor memory, integratedinto the control system 300, or received via external or remote inputs.The system receives inputs from the various instrument devices, or byinternal system programs that analyze, manipulate, or transform theinstrument value data into new system data that is a system processvalue. For example, one setpoint might be an effluent turbidity setpointof 0.4 NTU. As the system 300 receives effluent turbidity measurementdata from effluent turbidity meter 114, the system 300 compares this tothe stored or in some cases generated effluent turbidity setpoint, andif the effluent turbidity setpoint is reached, the control system 300signals initiation of the backwash procedure, as depicted in theflowchart shown in FIG. 4 at step 401. Similarly, if the measured orsystem generated values of one of the preceding filter parametersexceeds the programmed setpoint, the system 300 initiates the backwashprocedure 401.

At the beginning of a backwash procedure, using control system 300, thelevel of the water in the filter 102 is lowered to a predetermined orsystem 300 generated low-level setpoint above the media 103, which istypically between four (4) to six (6) inches above the media 103, byclosing INFLUENT valve 101 while the EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 isstill opened as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 4 at step 402. Thebackwash low-level setpoint can be generated using data analytics,artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neural networkmethodologies, or a combination of these values to: predict the subject,a related, or an unrelated filter's performance and/or operationalsetpoints; and/or generate benchmarking metrics for filter systems'operation and maintenance. For example, the optimum low-level backwashsetpoint can vary based on the current conditions of the filter 102 andoperational parameters of the filter 102 since the most recent backwashprocedure was performed. For example, it is possible that at the time ofbackwash, the filter media 103 bed is dirtier than normal, and loweringthe filter level too much, for example 4″ above the media 103, mightremove too much water such that the surface sweeps or air scours cannotoperate effectively, creating a more viscous sludge in the filter 102,that could result in under-fluidization of the media 103 in subsequentlow and high wash steps 404, 405 (FIG. 4). For example, the influentwater supply might have a higher than normal NTU value of 5, and/or thefilter has been running at maximum capacity or designed production rate,causing a dirtier filter bed. In one embodiment, the system determinesand anticipates the recommended low-level backwash setpoint based onthese and/other filter parameters using historical filter data,including data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learningand/or neural network methodologies, or a combination of theseprocesses.

In one embodiment, during step 402, level sensor 107 measures thedecreasing water level in filter 102 until it reaches a predetermined orsystem 300 generated level setpoint above media 103, which then closesEFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113. Once control system 300 confirms orreceives an input that EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 is closed, usingcontrol system 300 the BACKWASH WASTE valve 109 is fully opened. TheSURFACE WASH or AIR WASH valve 112, the FILTER TO WASTE valve 110 andthe BACKWASH SUPPLY valve 111 remain in a closed position, and in oneembodiment control system 300 confirms these valve positions, andprovides an alarm if the valves are not in a correct state at the stageof the backwash procedure. The level drop can be detected by the levelsensor 107. Using control system 300 after the water level is dropped toa predetermined or system 300 generated acceptable level (e.g., asdetected for example by the level sensors 107 or 120), the DRAIN valve109 is closed. The INFLUENT valve 101, the EFFLUENT valve 113, theBACKWASH valve 111 and the FILTER TO WASTE valve 110 remain closed, andin one embodiment control system 300 confirms these valve positions, andprovides an alarm if the valves are not in a correct state at the stageof the backwash procedure.

Referring to step 403 in the flowchart in FIG. 4, in older filtersystems, multiple mechanical rotating surface sweeps, depending on thesurface area size of a filter 102, installed in the anthracite media 106and driven by distribution system water pressure are used to assist thelow-wash flowrate backwash water at the beginning of a backwashprocedure to help break up the compacted and dirty media 103 and assistin fluidizing the media 103. Surface sweeps are mechanical arms thatrotate (generally slowly) by control system 300 opening the SURFACE WASHvalve 112′ and forcing pressurized water through orifices located on theback of the sweep arms to force them to rotate just beneath the surfaceof the media 103. Fluidized media is defined as applying a reverse flowof water through settled media 103 to elevate, mix and ultimately washsuspended solids from the media 103 at predetermined flow rates andpredetermined media bed expansion. Media bed expansion is defined as thedifference in level in inches, millimeters, any suitable basis formeasurement, or percent between the settled media level while filteringwater and the expanded media level while backwashing filter 102. Forexample, typical media 103 in a filter 102 can be a lower level of 12inches of sand 105 and an upper level of 18 inches of anthracite 106.Hence the total media 103 depth or level is 30 inches while filtering.While backwashing with a sufficient reverse flow of water from under themedia 103, the media will expand or fluidize by as much as 20% or more(6 inches or more) to an overall fluidized level of 36 inches or more.)Similar to the air blower, to control the speed of rotation of themechanical sweeps, control system 300 can control a variable frequencydrive that is operatively coupled to surface wash supply pump 366′ orcan control a surface wash supply control valve 112′.

Referring to step 403 in the flowchart in FIG. 4, in newer filtersystems, compressed air from a blower system 119 is used to assistlow-wash flowrate backwash water at the beginning of the backwashprocedure to help break up the compacted and dirty media 103 and assistin fluidizing the media 103. Air washes and air bubbles from them havebeen determined to be more effective than older surface sweep systems asthey cover the entire surface area of filter 102 and more effectivelyfluidize the media 103 during the initial low-wash procedure. Usingcontrol system 300, compressed air is supplied by a blower system 119(that includes a blower 366 (FIG. 3) and air wash valve 112) through aheader to filter 102 by opening AIR WASH valve 112 during the initiallow-wash flowrate step of the backwash procedure. Air wash valve 112 canbe an open/close valve or a modulating control valve that opens orcloses in increments, based on the control system 300 output values tothe air wash valve 112 actuator to control the air wash flow rate.Typically, the optimal air flow rate for a filter 102 is predeterminedby using the size of the blower system, physical hydraulic air headersystem and depth of media 103. Typically during an air wash procedure,control system 300 runs blower system 119 at full capacity to producethe required air wash flow rate based on the physical characteristics offilter 102 and the media 103. However, in another embodiment usingcontrol system 300, a variable frequency drive can be used to controlthe air blower 366 in order to control the air flow rate, which can bemeasured by an air flow device, such as an orifice with a differentialpressure transmitter. Although not shown in FIG. 3, a VFD can alsoreceive multiple inputs via the two-wire AS-I bus or direct/indirectwiring from a control panel to the VFD. Control system 300 can alsocontrol the air flow rate by sending outputs to control both the airblower 366 (e.g., via VFD (not shown)) and air wash valve 112.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 at step 403, the air wash orsurface wash is performed before backwash water enters the filter 102.Using control system 300, the air wash system 119 utilizes the remaininglow level water in the filter 102 after the filter has been drained to apredetermined low level to help fluidize the media bed 103 and breakupthe compacted and dirty media 103 before proceeding to the next step 404(low-wash backwash procedure) of the backwash procedure as shown in FIG.4.

After a predetermined period of time for the surface wash or air washprocedure to elapse, or in one embodiment, once the media is fluidizedto an optimal fluidization, optimum breakup of the filter debris orbackwash turbidity, control system 300 initiates the initial backwashlow-wash step 404 as shown in the FIG. 4 flowchart. At the beginning ofthe backwash low-wash step 404, control system 300 controls the backwashflow rate at a low flow by monitoring the flow using the backwash supplyflow meter 117 and controlling backwash supply pump 368 or backwashcontrol valve 116. In another embodiment, control system 300 controlsthe backwash low-wash flow using the filter level or rise rate of thefilter level. In another embodiment, control system 300 controls thelow-wash backwash flow rate by monitoring the fluidization of media bed103, filter level, or filter tank turbidity using a filter backwashturbidity meter 121 installed at or below the filter troughs 108. Stillin another embodiment, control system 300 controls the low-wash backwashflow rate by monitoring the filter tank's turbidity increase or rate ofincrease and comparing that to a backwash flow rate, total flow, or flowover elapsed time.

The flow of backwash water up through the media 103 causing expansion ofthe media is called fluidization of the media bed 103. Because thebackwash process cleans the filter to remove the influent water debrisand particles that have settled in the media 103, the water becomes verymuddy, increasing the turbidity in the filter. Although this is a lowbackwash flow, there is still the potential for over-fluidization of thefilter media 103, meaning that there is too much backwash fluid addedcausing the media 103 to spill over the troughs 108 with the backwashwater into the drain. For example, because the trigger to initiate afilter backwash is typically based on State regulatory agencies mandatedfilter runtime limits, it is possible that at the time of backwash,mandated or otherwise, the filter media 103 bed is not sufficientlydirty to necessitate higher low-wash flow rates, which if used, couldresult in over-fluidization of the filter media 103. For example, if theinfluent water supply has a low NTU value of 2.0, and/or the filter hasbeen running below its capacity or designed average production rate,and/or the effluent turbidity, and/or the filter 102 level has been low(e.g. in varying level filters) the filter 102 may not be sufficientlydirty to perform backwash at preprogramed low and high wash ratesbecause of the potential for over-fluidization.

In one embodiment, during the initial low backwash process as depictedin FIG. 4 at step 404, a predetermined low backwash media expansionsetpoint is used, and the networked computer system monitors the mediaexpansion and controls the media expansion in order to maintain thedesired low backwash media expansion setpoint by controlling thebackwash low flow that is flowing up through the media 103, such asusing BACKWASH FLOW CONTROL valve 116. In another embodiment, the system300 determines the optimum initial low backwash media expansion setpointor initial low backwash low flow rate and initial low backwash total runtime or initial low backwash total flow using filter system operatingparameters since the last backwash of: an average or mean influent NTU,effluent NTU, filter box NTU as measured by backwash filter backwashturbidity meter 121, filter 102 level, filter effluent flow rate orfilter 102 differential pressure, filter 102 runtime or filter effluentproduction; or any combination of these filter system operatingparameters. In yet another embodiment, there is data collection via acomputer communication network of these filter operating parameters anddetermined setpoint data for a plant filter system, wherein using dataanalytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neuralnetwork methodologies to: predict the subject, a related, or anunrelated filter's performance and/or operational setpoints; and/orgenerate benchmarking metrics for filter systems' operation andmaintenance.

In another embodiment, during the initial low backwash process, thesystem monitors the media expansion and controls the media expansionusing a predetermined low flow rate in order to maintain the mediaexpansion by controlling the backwash low flow that is flowing upthrough the media 103. As backwash water is added the media bedexperiences fluidization. Once the initial low backwash process hascompleted the system initiates the backwash high flow rate or high-washbackwash procedure as shown in FIG. 4 at step 405.

Referring to the flow chart in FIG. 5, in another embodiment, a low flowrate of backwash supply water is provided simultaneously with the airwash to help fluidize the media bed 103 and breakup the compacted anddirty media 103 before proceeding to the next step of the backwashprocedure as shown in FIG. 5 at steps 403′ and 404′. Here, while air isbeing provided to the media bed 103 to break up the dirty media,backwash water is provided to the filter using a backwash pump, openingBACKWASH valve 111 or backwash control valve 116 and monitoring thebackwash flow using backwash flow meter 117. And when backwash water isbeing supplied at the same time as the air scour, the control system 300can also control the backwash flow by varying the speed of the backwashpump 368 (FIG. 3) using a VFD and modulating the open-closed percentageof the backwash control valve 116. In another aspect of this embodiment,filter media bed expansion is monitored and controlled by control system300 based on a predetermined optimal air or surface wash flow rate andlow flow rate backwash, wherein control system 300 controls the air orsurface wash flow rate and low flow backwash flow rate to control themedia fluid bed expansion or rate of media bed expansion. The flow ofbackwash water up through the media 103 causing expansion of the mediais called fluidization of the media bed 103.

In one embodiment, at the beginning of the initial backwash low-washstep 404′ shown in FIG. 5, the SURFACE WASH valve 112 or the AIR WASHvalve 112 is fully open and the INFLUENT valve 101, EFFLUENT FLOWCONTROL valve 113 and the FILTER TO WASTE valve 110 remain fully closed,and the BACKWASH WASTE valve 109 remains opened, and in one embodimentcontrol system 300 confirms these valve positions, and provides an alarmor stops the backwash procedure if the valves are not in a correct stateat the stage of the backwash procedure. Using control system 300, thebackwash water system 118 is turned on, BACKWASH SUPPLY valve 111 isopened allowing potable backwash water from the clearwell (i.e.,typically, a large concrete basin that stores treated water from thefilters 102 before being pumped into the distribution system forconsumers use) or directly from the consumer distribution system toenter filter 102 through the backwash flowmeter 117 and the modulatingBACKWASH FLOW CONTROL valve 116. In one embodiment control system 300confirms these valve positions, and provides an alarm or stops thebackwash procedure if the valves are not in a correct state at the stageof the backwash procedure. The initial low-wash backwash step is used toslowly refill the filter 102 while assisting the surface sweeps or airwash systems in breaking up and fluidizing the media 103. Once thedesired fluidization is reached, which as discussed above in referenceto FIG. 4 and step 404, can be determined or generated using variousfilter parameters and predictive parameters using data analytics,artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neural networkmethodologies to: predict the subject, a related, or an unrelatedfilter's performance and/or operational setpoints; and/or generatebenchmarking metrics for filter systems' operation and maintenance,control system 300 terminates the initial backwash low-wash 404′ andsurface wash or airwash 403′ procedures as shown in FIG. 5 and initiatesthe backwash high-wash procedure as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 at step 405.

In another embodiment, the ending of steps 403′ and 404′ in FIG. 5, canalso be achieved by filter level sensor 107 providing a measurement tocontrol system 300 that is a predetermined level value (e.g., that thefilter water level has risen to a level where the water can flow overthe troughs 108 and out of filter 102), and then the system 300initiates the high-wash backwash procedure as shown in FIG. 5 at step405.

A variety of backwash water supply systems can be utilized. For example,Lead Lag Dual Variable Speed Pump Systems utilize two pumps running atvariable speeds to create a low-wash flow rate and a high-wash flowrate. One pump is used for the low-wash flow rate and both pumps areused for the high-wash flow rate. The pumps are started based on whichone is assigned the lead designation and the other one a lagdesignation. In these systems, a modulating flow control valve 116 isnot typically used, and instead the backwash flow to a given filter in amulti-filter configuration water treatment system is controlled byBACKWASH valve 111. In single pump systems, a common backwash flowcontrol valve 116 and common Backwash Flowmeter 117. This systemutilizes one pump to provide backwash supply water from the clearwell.The water is pumped thru a common Backwash Flowmeter 117 and commonBackwash flow control valve 116 which controls the backwash flow ratefor both low and high washes for all filters.

Backwash holding tank systems use an elevated Backwash Holding Tankinstalled high enough above the filters to allow gravity flow from thetank to provide adequate low and high wash flow rates without thebenefit of a pump. Water from the clearwell is pumped into the holdingtank by one or more pumps and controlled by a level system in the tank.The level system is responsible to maintain a sufficient level in theholding tank at all times for at least two or more backwashes. Backwashwater from the holding tank is provided to the Filter Backwash Supplyflow control valve 116 thru a common Backwash supply line and backwashpump 368.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the backwash high-washprocedure 405 (FIG. 4 or 5) in the control system 300 includes apre-determined or generated high-wash flow rate control system and/or apre-determined or generated timer control. In a further aspect of anembodiment of the present invention, the control system 300 determines abackwash high-wash flow rate or backwash high-wash duration based on thefilter level or rise rate of the filter level, the fluidization of mediabed 103, filter tank turbidity using filter backwash turbidity meter121, the filter tank's turbidity increase or rate of increase, thelow-backwash flow rate, low-backwash total flow, or low-backwash flowover elapsed time, or any combination of these parameters. Controlsystem 300 includes the backwash high-wash flow control system, whichcan include a backwash flowmeter 117, modulating BACKWASH FLOW CONTROLvalve 116, backwash flow rate set point, backwash total flow, high-washbackwash duration timer, a media expansion level setpoint, a media levelsetpoint, or a media level expansion rate of change setpoint. In somecases a minimum high-wash backwash duration is set by a consultant orstate regulatory agency. As discussed in this paragraph, these filterparameters and setpoints can be a variety of measured, control system300 generated, or external system generated filter values, andanticipated values for these parameters can be generated through dataanalytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neuralnetwork methodologies, or a combination of these procedures. These valuesetpoints can be stored in a database, in processor memory, integratedinto the control system 300, or received via external or remote inputs.The system receives inputs from the various instrument devices, or byinternal system programs that analyze, manipulate, or transform theinstrument value data into new system data that is a system processvalue.

Referring to FIG. 2, as the backwash water flows upward through themedia 103, the water level begins to rise and flow over the filtertroughs 108, out of the filter 102 through filter drain 109 into awastewater treatment system. In an embodiment of the present invention,using media level sensor 120, which is installed in filter 102 to allowcontrol system 300 to monitor media bed expansion 124, control system300 controls the backwash flow rate using backwash supply control valve116, in order to ensure that the media bed 103 is fluidized or expandedsufficiently to a pre-determined level to efficiently clean the media103, while not over expanding or over fluidizing the media 103 andwashing media 103 over the troughs 108 causing the quantity of media 103in the filter 102 to diminish to insufficient levels over time. In oneembodiment, control system 300 controls media bed expansion 124 bypredetermined or generated values or setpoints for a high-wash backwashflow setpoint, a rate of media bed expansion, or the media bed expansionvalue, or a combination of these parameters. In this embodiment, controlsystem 300 adjust the output to the backwash supply control valve 116 toadjust the high-wash backwash flow rate in order to maintain a specificmedia bed expansion 124 using the foregoing parameters. Because colderwater is denser than warmer water and can therefore cause increasedmedia bed expansion 124 for a given flow rate, in a further embodimentof the present invention, control system 300 automatically adjusts thehigh-wash backwash flow rate to achieve and maintain a specific mediabed expansion 124 set point that eliminates any effect of actual watertemperature.

In an embodiment of the present invention, backwash water turbiditysensor 121 is installed in the filter box of filter 102 to monitor thefilter turbidity and using control system 300, during the high-washbackwash procedure 405 control the termination of the high-wash backwashprocedure to ensure that the media 103 is washed sufficiently to apre-determined backwash turbidity value, typically between 18 and 25NTU, and not over washed, which results in not only hundreds ofthousands of wasted water, but also results in removing necessaryseasoning (turbidity) in the media 103 for an efficient return toservice and operation of filter 102. The backwash water turbidity sensor121 also measures settled water turbidity while filter 102 is filteringwater. In one embodiment, control system 300 terminates the high-washbackwash procedure 405, when turbidity sensor 121 provides a turbidityvalue equal to a predetermined or generated setpoint in NTUs that istypically between 18 and 25 NTU. In another embodiment, the controlsystem includes controls that terminate the high-wash backwash procedure405 by a duration set point if the backwash turbidity sensor 121 failsfor any reason, and a longer than anticipated high-wash backwashprocedure has elapsed. In this embodiment if the control system 300terminates the high-wash backwash procedure by the duration set pointcontrol, it indicates that there was likely a backwash turbidity sensor121 failure. In a further aspect, an alarm is triggered through thecontrol system to trigger inspection of the system.

In another embodiment of the present invention, while maintaining adesired media level expansion 124 setpoint, control system 300terminates the high-wash backwash procedure 405 once the filter backwashturbidity, read by turbidity meter 121, reaches a predetermined orgenerated setpoint that is designed to minimize the high-wash backwashprocedure to ensure that the media 103 is backwashed sufficiently to apre-determined backwash turbidity value and not over washed below thatvalue which removes necessary seasoning (turbidity) in the media 103 forefficient return to service and operation of filter 102. During thishigh-wash backwash process 405, the turbidity of the water spikesextremely high due to a phenomenon called a mudboil. This turbidityspike is extremely high and may be so high that it exceeds the valuethat is able to be read by turbidimeter 121. However, once the tubdiditystarts to come down from the increased spike to a predetermined value(e.g., 18 to 25 NTUs, or any other value that has determined to beappropriate for seasoning of the filter media 103 prior to return toservice), which can include a delta value from a peak turbidity tocalculated change, and can include a specific value that is based on theinfluent water and a the control system 300 determining the turbidityvalue, a specific value determined by historical performance of thefilter, or any specific value provided by the control system 300, thehigh-wash backwash procedure is terminated.

Similarly as discussed above in reference to the initial low washbackwash procedure, it is possible that at the time of thehigh-backwash, the filter media 103 bed is not sufficiently dirty tonecessitate higher high-wash flow rates, which if used, could result inover-fluidization of the filter media 103 and loss of filter media 103.Hence, the filter parameters and setpoints for the high-backwashprocedure 405 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, including the high wash filterbackwash turbidity setpoint, can be a variety of measured, controlsystem 300 generated, or external system generated filter values, andanticipated values for these parameters can be generated through dataanalytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neuralnetwork methodologies, or a combination of these procedures. These valuesetpoints can be stored in a database, in processor memory, integratedinto the control system 300, or received via external or remote inputs.The system receives inputs from the various instrument devices, or byinternal system programs that analyze, manipulate, or transform theinstrument value data into new system data that is a system processvalue.

After the high-wash backwash procedure 405 has been completed, controlsystem 300 initiates a second low-wash backwash procedure step 406 toslowly resettle and stratify the media 103 in filter 102 with theanthracite 106 on top of the sand 105. In one embodiment, during thisstep, the SURFACE WASH valve 112 or the AIR WASH valve 112 remain fullyclosed, the INFLUENT valve 101, EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 and theFILTER TO WASTE valve 110 remain fully closed and the BACKWASH WASTEvalve 109 remains opened. The control system 300 controls the secondlow-wash backwash flow by monitoring the backwash flow meter 117measurement or controlling the backwash supply pump 368 using a VFD.Control system 300 uses a predetermined or generated second low-washbackwash flow rate, including a second low-wash backwash flow rate thatis designed to reduce the filter media expansion to an acceptable levelthat represents the resettling of the media 103. In one embodiment,control system 300 terminates the second low-wash backwash after apredetermined or generated elapsed time, a second low-wash backwashtotal flow has been achieved, or a predetermined or generated acceptablereduced media expansion, or a combination of these parameters. In oneembodiment, control system 300 terminates the second low-wash backwashbased on the media level as determined by level device 120, as anindicator of the filter media settling. For example, as discussed above,level device 120 can be a multi-electrode capacitance level sensor 20that is capable of measuring an interface level that provides the levelof the media below the overall filter 102 water level. Once controlsystem 300 terminates the second low-wash backwash procedure 406,control system 300 proceeds to return filter 102 to service byinitiating the filter-to-waste procedure step 407.

Once the second low-wash backwash procedure 406 is complete, controlsystem 300 initiates the filter-to-waste step 407. In one embodiment,during the filter to waste procedure step 407, the BACKWASH SUPPLY valve111 is fully closed, the backwash water system is turned off and theBACKWASH WASTE valve 109 is fully closed, the SURFACE WASH 112′ or AIRSCOUR valve 112, and the EFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 remain fullyclosed. The INFLUENT valve 101 is fully opened, then the FILTER TO WASTEvalve 110 is fully opened to allow the initial return-to-servicefiltered water to exit the filter to a wastewater treatment system untilsuch time as the effluent turbidity of this water, which is measured bythe effluent turbidity meter 114, reaches a pre-determined or generatedlow turbidity value, usually less than 0.5 NTU acceptable for humanconsumption or use. In one embodiment, once this effluent turbidityvalue has been reached, control system 300 terminates thefilter-to-waste step 407 by closing FILTER TO WASTE valve 110.

In a further embodiment, once the system 300 terminates thefilter-to-waste step 407, the system initiates the filter return toservice step 408 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, by opening modulatingEFFLUENT FLOW CONTROL valve 113 allowing filtered water to go to theclearwell and to consumers for consumption and use.

Similarly as discussed above in reference to the initial low washbackwash procedure 404, and high-wash backwash procedures 405, for thesecond low-wash backwash procedure 406, filter to waste procedure 407,and filter return to service procedure 408, the filter parameters andsetpoints for these procedures 406, 407 and 408, can be a variety ofmeasured, control system 300 generated, or external system generatedfilter values, and anticipated values for these parameters can begenerated through data analytics, artificial intelligence, machinelearning and/or neural network methodologies, or a combination of theseprocedures. These value setpoints can be stored in a database, inprocessor memory, integrated into the control system 300, or receivedvia external or remote inputs. The system receives inputs from thevarious instrument devices, or by internal system programs that analyze,manipulate, or transform the instrument value data into new system datathat is a system process value.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the controlsystem 300 generates output signals to control the various flow controlvalves and VFDs, using proportional-integral-derivative (PID),proportional, integral or derivative controllers. In another aspect ofan embodiment of the present invention, the control system 300 generatesoutput signals that are discrete on/off for valve actuators and pumpsand blowers, and also generates output signals that are variable tocontrol valve actuators and VFDs to pumps and blowers.

The before and after results of an example of a Georgia plant that hasimplemented certain embodiments of the invention is depicted in FIG. 8.FIG. 7 shows the operation before implementation of certain embodimentsof the invention. The green line 701 depicts the filter backwashturbidity before backwash. Orange line 702 depicts the fluid media levelbefore the backwash. 703 depicts the filter backwash turbidity spikeduring initiation of the high-wash. 704 depicts the media expansionduring high wash. 706 depicts the turbidity drop during the high wash.And 705 depicts the 10 minutes of additional time of backwashing, thathas been eliminated by certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows the operation of the Georgia plant after the implementationof certain embodiments of the invention. The green line 801 depicts thefilter backwash turbidity before backwash. Orange line 802 depicts thefluid media level before the backwash. 803 depicts the filter backwashturbidity spike during initiation of the high-wash. 804 depicts themedia expansion during high wash of about 20%. 806 depicts the turbiditydrop during the high wash down to around 20 NTU. And 805 depicts the 3minutes of backwashing time, and 7 minutes of backwashing timeeliminated by certain embodiments of the present invention.

In the Georgia plant, implementation of certain embodiments of theinvention resulted in over $150,000 in annual savings to the plant, theelimination of 94,728,000 million of gallons of backwash water wastedever year, and the elimination of a lagoon holding area for excessbackwash waste water before reduced time for the high wash saved.Additionally, the effluent turbidity spike and filter to waste afterfilter backwash and placing filter back in service was virtuallyeliminated using certain embodiments of the invention.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the invention, a Gravity FilterSystem Enhanced Performance, Optimization, Modeling & Intelligent DataManipulation and Analysis Tool is implanted using data analytics,artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or neural networkmethodologies to: predict the subject, a related, or an unrelatedfilter's performance and/or operational setpoints; generate benchmarkingmetrics for filter systems' operation and maintenance; and/or generatesetpoints and anticipated measurement and filter operational values. Itprovides:

-   -   Filter System Health Analysis System        -   Filter Media Loss & Health            -   Continuously monitor and trend media level, media bed                expansion level and media loss            -   Alarm when media bed level fall below mandated level                requirements            -   Analyze media level and bed expansion over time compared                with varying flow rates            -   Analyze variations in media bed expansion based on water                quality conditions and temperature variations        -   Filter System Water & Wastewater Use            -   Continuously monitor and trend quantity of water used in                filters while making water, during backwashes &                wastewater            -   Alarm when variations in flow quantities, durations or                runtimes exceed preset limits            -   Analyze variations in water quantities used in filtering                and backwash process over time to identify potential                tuning adjustments for better performance, enhanced                filter runtimes and efficient backwashes with minimal                waste of water        -   Maintenance & Service Requirements for Filter System            -   Continuously monitor and trend equipment and process                runtimes            -   Automatically generate maintenance and service work                orders            -   Instrumentation calibration            -   Valve actuator maintenance            -   Backwash pump and blower system maintenance            -   Periodic laboratory water quality and media analysis

Although the apparatuses and methods described herein have beendescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.Those skilled in the art may be able to study the exemplar embodimentsand identify other ways to practice the invention that are not exactlyas described herein. It is the intent of the inventor that variationsand equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the claimswhile the description, abstract and drawings are not to be used to limitthe scope of the invention. The invention is specifically intended to beas broad as the claims below and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water treatment filter backwash process controlsystem, comprising: a control system that receives filter media leveldata and filter backwash turbidity data; the control system having afilter media level set point, wherein the filter media level set pointcorresponds to a desired filter media bed expansion; and the controlsystem having a filter backwash turbidity set point, wherein the controlsystem controls the filter backwash process by, while monitoring thefilter backwash turbidity, sending one or more output signals that areused to control a backwash inlet liquid flow in order to maintain thedesired filter media bed expansion, and stop the backwash inlet liquidflow when the filter backwash turbidity set point is reached.
 2. Thewater treatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1further comprising a proportional-integral-derivative controller,wherein at least one of the output signals that is used to control thebackwash inlet liquid flow in order to maintain the desired filter mediabed expansion is generated by the proportional-integral-derivativecontroller.
 3. The water treatment filter backwash process controlsystem of claim 2 wherein at least one of the output signals that isused to stop the backwash inlet liquid flow when the filter backwashturbidity set point is reached is a discrete output signal.
 4. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1 wherein atleast one of the output signals that is used to control the backwashinlet liquid flow in order to maintain the desired filter media bedexpansion is a variable output signal.
 5. The water treatment filterbackwash process control system of claim 3 wherein at least one of theoutput signals that is used to stop the backwash inlet liquid flow whenthe filter backwash turbidity set point is reached is a discrete outputsignal.
 6. The water treatment filter backwash process control system ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the output signals that is used to stopthe backwash inlet liquid flow when the filter backwash turbidity setpoint is reached is a discrete output signal.
 7. The water treatmentfilter backwash process control system of claim 1 further comprising aproportional controller, wherein at least one of the output signals thatis used to control the backwash inlet liquid flow in order to maintainthe desired filter media bed expansion is generated by the proportionalcontroller.
 8. The water treatment filter backwash process controlsystem of claim 1 further comprising an integral controller, wherein atleast one of the output signals that is used to control the backwashinlet liquid flow in order to maintain the desired filter media bedexpansion is generated by the integral controller.
 9. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol system includes a programmable logic controller.
 10. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol system includes a distributed control system.
 11. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol system is further coupled to a Supervisory Control and DataAcquisition (SCADA).
 12. The water treatment filter backwash processcontrol system of claim 1, wherein the control system receives data andsignals from instrumentation, valves and devices of the water treatmentfilter system on a communication bus, wherein the communication busadheres to an Actuator Sensor-Interface (AS-I) standard.
 13. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol system receives data and signals from instrumentation, valvesand devices of the water treatment filter system on a communication bus,wherein the communication bus includes a wireless network.
 14. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol system receives data and signals from instrumentation, valvesand devices of the water treatment filter system, wherein at least oneof the instrumentation, valves or devices are wireless.
 15. The watertreatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol system receives data and signals from instrumentation, valvesand devices of the water treatment filter system on a communication bus,wherein the communication bus adheres to an Actuator Sensor-Interface(AS-I) standard and wherein the instrumentation, valves, and devices areconnected to electronic interfaces that adhere to an AS-I standard. 16.The water treatment filter backwash process control system of claim 1,wherein the control system receives data and signals from and sends dataand signals to valves of the water treatment filter system on acommunication bus, wherein the communication bus adheres to an ActuatorSensor-Interface (AS-I) standard, and wherein the valves includeactuators, wherein the actuators are vane-type pneumatic, cylinder-typepneumatic, hydraulic-type or electric-type actuators.
 17. A process forbackwashing a water treatment filter, comprising during the filterbackwashing process: utilizing a filter media level set point thatcorresponds to a desired filter media bed expansion to control abackwash inlet liquid flow in order to maintain the filter media levelset point; and while monitoring a filter backwash turbidity, utilizing afilter backwash turbidity set point to stop the backwash inlet liquidflow when the filter backwash turbidity set point is reached.